Log Cabin Stars and Stripes

Posted on July 22, 2017 by Penny Haren

I love this four inch log cabin trim tool! It makes me look like I actually know how to piece – WELL! Believe me, it is not me – it is the tool!

Look at “America the Beautiful”. This 28″ x 40″ flag was pieced with the log cabin trim tool using a variation of the courthouse steps block. I used Soft and Stable as the batting so it lays perfectly flat when it is hanging on my door – the perfect decoration for those summer barbecues. It is fat quarter friendly so it is easy to kit as well.

Check out this pattern by Jean Ann Wright. See how the blocks are placed to create a star in the center. This is done with 2 1/2″ strips – which are due to arrive this month. Kitting has never been easier.

This tool comes in a four inch, a six inch, an eight inch, and a twelve-inch size. Show them blocks in every size. The technique is the same – let them choose the size that they are comfortable with!

Pineapple Play the Jean Ann Way

Posted on July 4, 2017 by Penny Haren

Jean Ann Wright’s newest book – Pineapple Play – is now in stock and brimming with projects and ideas that make the Creative Grids® Pineapple Trim Tool shine!

Everyone has a pineapple quilt on their bucket list so why not be inspired? Whether you choose a traditional version or a block with a twist, the blocks have never been easier!

Six Halves Make a Whole

Posted on June 10, 2017 by Penny Haren

Susan Knapp of The Quilt Branch has been thinking of Christmas and designed three patterns in her six halves make a whole series. These are great patterns to kit – simply cut six coordinating half yard cuts. Any kits left? Simply cut them into fat quarters! It can’t get any easier than that!

All of these patterns feature her House Ruler by Creative Grids®.

Tree skirts are great Christmas gifts – just start the season early by giving them out after Thanksgiving dinner! To see all of the “six halves make a whole” series, visit our website: The Quilt Branch. These patterns are expected any day so order them now!

Ovals All Ways – Literally

Posted on May 23, 2017 by Penny Haren

Finally! A tool that cuts ovals! No more elongated half circle hot dog shapes! The Creative Grids® Ovals All Ways Ruler designed by Karla Alexander, cuts ovals, semi-ovals, and quarter-ovals from 3″ x 4 ½” to 8 ½” x 10″ and every half-inch between. Since this ruler is designed to be used in multiple ways, additional markings are included for techniques such as fusible applique, piecing and turned-edge applique.

If only my laundry looked so good! Spin Cycle showcases a variety of ways to use this ruler. And don’t you just love the color combinations? Trading Places uses the positive and negative space to create even more interesting patterns. And then there is Enchanted! Jasmine would have been proud to fly on this magic carpet!

And since they are ovals, they are even easier to piece than circles. Watch the video for even more inspiration! Why not teach a class on ovals and ease them into the Circle Savvy? But with all of these possibilities, they will want to stay and play for awhile!

My ‘Go To’ Creative Grids®

Posted on April 29, 2017 by Penny Haren

I am demonstrating in Paducah this week and have been asked several times for a list of my favorite rulers. What do I have in my ruler rack besides the Stripology and the CGR24 – 6 1/2″ x 24 1/2″ rectangle?

The CGR48 is my favorite ruler when I am sub-cutting blocks or trimming a few half-square triangles. I work with five-inch squares a lot so this ruler is the perfect companion. The white line down the center of the ruler is at 2 1/4″. I use it to square up four-patches and is the width I like to cut my bindings. I use the angled lines to trim half-square triangles made from five-inch squares and sewn with a scant quarter inch seam.

The CGR312 is 3 1/2″ x 12 1/2″. I just finished a bow tie quilt with over 500 three-inch finished bow ties. I used the centering line on this ruler to square up the blocks instead of a 3 1/2″ square. The length was easier to hold onto and protected my hands from the rotary cutter blade. The centering line at 1 3/4″ is also the width of strips if you are making the eight-inch log cabin blocks with the Log Cabin Trim Tool – an added bonus!

And then there is the CGR212 – the 2 1/2″ x 12 1/2″ ruler. Once again I like the added length to protect my fingers when squaring up blocks to 2 1/2″. But my favorite feature? The centering line at 1 1/4″. I use that line to cut 2 1/2″ strips in half when making four-inch log cabins with the CGRJAWMN4 or mini pineapples with the CGRJAW3MINI.

What rulers are your go to rulers – and why?

The Newest Member of the Creative Grids® Family

Posted on March 23, 2017 by Penny Haren

Many of you have paid your rent by offering tuffet classes. Erin Underwood’s round tuffet that can be made in an afternoon has been in the top 100 patterns since it’s release two years ago,

So when she came to us and wanted to do a 22-1/2 degree ruler so she could create a square tuffet, we were in!

This triangle has the same markings as her 15-degree triangle plus some additional angle markings which are referred to in patterns to create more intricate designs.

Sixteen triangles create a “circle” or Dresden. Or use it to create a frequent bucket list contender – the Dahlia. Or create a quilt in an afternoon with Sassy Tumblers.

Or create a table runner and matching place mats with this Cut Loose Press™ pattern.

Karen Bennett of Nellie’s Needle loved it so much, she designed three patterns around it…

The patterns are selling out quickly, but don’t worry! More are expected any day!

It is G-Easy!

Posted on March 8, 2017 by Penny Haren

I love, love, love, this new product because it has a wealth of uses! These stickers by Gudrun Erla of GE Designs are reusable, repositionable, and stick to rulers, mats, fabric, and sewing machines!

Each package contains one sheet of each color – turquoise, pink and lime green. There are 64 arrow stickers per sheet – for a total of 192 stickers for just $7.95!

ge-1100_3

They are easily removable and don’t leave any residue. Mark the cutting lines on your mat for fast, accurate and consistent cutting. And, if need be, write on them with a permanent marker or wet erase pens.

And, since this lovely lady also developed the Stripology and Stripology Squared rulers with Creative Grids®, they are the perfect companion for that tool as well.

ge-1100_2

These are the perfect register sale! Who can resist?

You Asked, We Delivered

Posted on January 30, 2017 by Penny Haren

We have had many requests for an 18 1/2 inch version of our most popular workhorse – the 8 1/2 x 24 1/2 inch ruler. You asked, we listened – and it is IN STOCK now!

This ruler has all of the great features of the original:

It is the perfect size to span the most popular size of rotary cutting mats. And, since it is 25% smaller than the original 24-1/2″ version, it is easier to manipulate. The wide width makes it the perfect choice to square up corners and borders.

It features easy-to-read black and white markings printed in 1″ grids marked in 1/8″ and 1/4″ increments. Use the black numbers (printed on white dots) and the 1/4″ grip sides to cut whole inches, while the white numbers (printed on black dots) and the 1/2″ grip sides add the 1/2″ seam allowance.

The ruler slides easily over the fabric until pressure is applied. Then, our exclusive gripper holds the fabric in place while cutting, eliminating slipping and miss-cuts!

Use the white 45º angle to trim half-square triangles in whole inch increments. Use the black 45º angle to trim half-square triangles in half inch increments. An additional black 45º line is placed so that two angles cross 1/4″ away from the outside edge. Use these markings to square up flying geese units; squares set on point or mark cross-hatching. The ruler also features a 30º- 60º angle.

White horizontal and vertical lines are printed on the rectangle so the center of the ruler is easily distinguishable. Use these lines to fussy cut stripes and borders.

I didn’t want to leave anything out so the above is the description exactly how it appears on the website. This is a perfect opportunity to introduce this ruler and reiterate the great features of the entire line!

Traditional with a Modern Twist

Posted on January 8, 2017 by Penny Haren

I love everything by Cindi McCracken! She takes traditional blocks and adds a modern twist that combines crisp, clean lines and fabulous color choices.

Stars at the Lake combines the charm of a traditional churn dash block with a simple paper-pieced block – the perfect opportunity to expose your customers to paper-piecing without intimidating them! Broken Dishes is paper-pieced from strips so it is very impressive without any of the frustration.

cmd85

cmd89

Any Which Way is striking in batiks and Fading Light can be made in a week-end. Both would be great additions to your “masculine” quilt pattern collection.

Cindi uses the new Stripology Squared ruler to cut her strips and recommends it in some of her patterns. Why not host a class and “race” with a student who is known to be fast? You use the Stripology Squared and they can cut with a traditional ruler. Once they see what a time saver it is, the tool will sell itself!

All of these patterns are due to arrive this month so order them now!

Mini Quilts are Hot Part Two

Posted on December 25, 2016 by Penny Haren

Several of your favorite designers: Pat Sloan, Carrie Nelson, Brigitte Heitland, Camille Roskelley, Me and My Sister Designs, Sherri McConnell, Sandy Gervais, Edyta Sitar, Lynne Hagmeier, Vanessa Christenson, Anne Sutton, Laurie Simpson, Jen Kingwell, Lisa Bongean, and Betsy Chutchian. contributed to this top-selling book: Mini Marvels. All of these designers have such a recognizable style that it is fun to guess who made each quilt – no peeking!

pg11_beesknees pg20_littlelove pg24_dashing pg33_zenchic pg42_apinkchristmas pg48_spinner pg52_starsandstars

Once again, the photography showcases these beauties to their best advantage – and makes you want to start cutting up that stash immediately!

Don’t forget! I know I mentioned this in Part One, but it bares repeating!If you are hanging them on a wall, you may want to consider using Soft and Stable for batting. They will hang perfectly flat and add that professional touch! It comes in several packaging options: Project Packs which include four 13 1/2 x 18 1/2 inch pieces (originally meant for place mats but perfect for minis), 1/2 yard cuts; 1 yard cuts; etc. Why not display these packaged options next to a display of minis???

Creative Grids® has several rulers that may help you along your miniature journey. They have put together a booklet entitled “Love Mini’s” which shows a wide variety of tools available to create small units. Help your customers find the right tool for their mini projects! There is also a tri-fold available to help your customers keep track of the Creative Grids® products they already have… or want! Be sure you keep a supply next to your cash register or Creative Grids® display. Newest rulers are listed in bold on the list – so be sure to replenish new brochures every spring and fall.

Checker News Blog

Resource for Independent Quilt, Sewing, and Needlearts Retailers

Category Archives: Creative Grids Rulers